Domestic Violence Series for July 16, 2020 (Part 2) "Domestic Violence Myths & Realities" - Session 4

[Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks, PsyD]

Domestic Violence Series for July 16, 2020 Session 4 (Part 2)

II. Domestic Violence Myths & Realities:

Myth: Domestic violence does not happen very often.

Reality: Battering is very common. It is one of the most under-reported crimes. It is also the leading cause of injury to women. A woman is physically abused by a partner every 15 seconds in the United States. https://www.peaceoverviolence.org/v-myths-and-realities

Myth: Women who stay in abusive relationships are "asking" for it.

Reality: It is a myth that survivors do not leave abusive relationships. Actually, a survivor leaves an average of 6-8 times and each time she leaves the violence can often escalate. Women who leave their abuser are at higher risk (75% greater risk) of being killed than those who stay. Either staying or leaving the abusive relationship poses risks to her safety. A survivor who stays in the relationship oftentimes is strategizing the best time and safest time to leave. Domestic violence can also cause women and children to become homeless. https://www.peaceoverviolence.org/v-myths-and-realities

Myth: Alcohol/drugs causes battering.

Reality: While there may be many cases of domestic violence that involve the use of drugs/alcohol, it does NOT cause battering. The use of drugs/alcohol is often used as an excuse for the abuse. Many abusers do not use alcohol/drugs and there are many who abuse drugs/alcohol who are not abusive. Domestic violence is a choice and preventing someone to use alcohol/drugs will not necessarily stop the abuse. Counseling for drugs or alcohol problems will not stop the problem of domestic violence. http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/domestic/link/alcohol.htm

Myth: Abusers cannot change their behavior and will always abuse.

Reality: Domestic violence is a learned behavior and can be unlearned if the abuser takes responsibility and accountability for the violence committed. People who abuse often have learned this behavior, and it will take time to undo and learn new ways of solving problems or coping with stress.

https://www.stopvaw.org/Theories_of_Violence

http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/svaw/domestic/link/theories.htm

Myth: Many survivors feel they deserve the abuse.

Reality: There are many survivors who feel this way, and they need to understand that no one deserves to be abused and they are not alone. Oftentimes abusers attempt to make survivors feel guilty, lowering their self-esteem by saying negative things about them that are untrue. Domestic violence is a choice and batterers must be accountable for their actions. (http://www.aardvarc.org/domestic-violence)

Myth: Children who grow up in abusive homes won't be affected, especially if they are still so young.

Reality: Children who growing up witnessing abuse may grow up learning that it is normal and may become batterers or victims in their adult relationships. Children may be abused or neglected while the mother deals with the trauma of the abuse. Many children who are exposed to the violence may also grow up blaming themselves for the abuse and for not being able to stop it. 

https://www.stopvaw.org/Effects_of_Domestic_Violence_on_Children.html

References for this section: http://www.acfjc.org/resource_library/domestic_violence/myths_reali...

Click Here for PDF Version of DV S4 7-16-2020

In His Service,

Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks

Next section posted will be “Domestic Violence Series – Section III – Part 2A - “Explanation of Domestic Violence and Abuse” - Session 5 on Thursday, July 23rd.